Heartspeak Blog

When you see a person begging on the street corner, what do you do? Hand him a couple of dollars or take him to a nearby convenience store and buy a sandwich? Maybe.

But what if he has a dog?

In that case, you immediately think, “Wait. If he can take care of a pet, surely he can take care of his own needs. No way am I helping this guy!”

I’ve thought that many times.

However, after researching the subject, I discovered homeless people love their animals just as much as any other group of pet owners.

And why not? Men and women on the streets may have few friends.

Who walks endless miles with them on hot nights when they can’t sleep? Who snuggles with them under a tarp on cold nights? Who shields them from bad guys day or night? Who never judges their circumstances but always stays loyal?

Right. Their dogs.

In Pasedena, California, the non-profit Downtown Dog Rescue has teamed up with veterinarians to visit homeless camps and check on the pets living there.

Digestive issues. Fleas and ticks. Broken bones. The program’s volunteer vets find tangible ways to help every animal they encounter. Other volunteers coordinate donations of pet food to distribute where needed.

So, the dogs and their owners receive compassionate care and real, practical assistance.

Maybe we all need to rethink how we view homelessness and pets. Next time I see a person with a pup begging on the street corner, I’ll be ready with a pouch of dog food—instead of a negative attitude.

“Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.” Proverbs 28:27 NLT